Considering the way things have gone on the field this season, the Phillies' most significant goal for the rest of 2015 figures to be unloading as much salary as possible.
Cole Hamels is the team's most attractive trade chip, and the last thing the Phillies need is a red flag that might scare off a potential suitor. They might have a small one, though, after announcing Hamels won't make his scheduled start Friday because of a "mild" right hamstring strain.
There have been no indications of trouble through Hamels' 14 starts this season. The left-hander has a 2.96 ERA and has struck out 103 batters in an NL-leading 94 1/3 innings.
That officially makes Hamels the lone bright spot for a group that was 22-45 and 14 games out of first place heading into Thursday's game against the Orioles, having lost nine in a row and 12 of its last 13.
The Phillies can only hope missing one turn in the rotation will get Hamels back up to speed, as they need him to save whatever face they can at this point, not to mention maintain optimal trade value.
Phillippe Aumont will be summoned from Triple-A to make Friday's start in Hamels' place. After a disastrous cameo with Philadelphia last year (0-1, 19.06 ERA in five relief appearances), the right-hander has been solid at Lehigh Valley in 2015, posting a 2.35 ERA in 14 appearances (10 starts).
